Standing Together for Native Children

On November 9, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Haaland v. Brackeen, a case involving the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA (see page four to read about oral arguments). NICWA and the Protect ICWA Campaign began setting up a prayerful gathering in front of the steps of the Supreme Court in the early morning as attorneys and the public stood waiting in two lines wrapping down East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue to enter the court for the hearing. A crowd began to gather, which grew to be over 300 people—relatives, children and families, tribal leaders, Indian child welfare workers, child welfare organizations, and allies.

We began our gathering as oral arguments started. Former NICWA board member Paul Day, chief judge of the Leech Lake Court, offered a blessing and pipe ceremony, which was followed by songs offered by the local Uptown Singerz drum group and prayers from NICWA members and friends from across the country. For two hours, people shared their prayers, songs, drumming, and dancing in support of ICWA and the protection of Native children and families. Our final song was offered by Vice-Chairwoman Loni Greninger of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and after oral arguments, leaders from the four tribes who intervened in the case held a press conference.

Now, several months later, we wait for a decision from the Court. As we know, an attack on ICWA is a direct attack on tribal sovereignty. Attacking ICWA is part of a larger formula for colonization—the last stage being taking Native children from their families and communities.

Regardless of how the justices rule, together as ICWA advocates, we will work to keep the spirit of ICWA alive by ensuring Native children are connected to their families, tribes, culture, and their sense of belonging. Depending on the ruling, various policy and practice strategies may help us do that.

WATCH: The Recipe of Colonization on NICWA’s YouTube Channel @NativeChildren

Meet NICWA's Newest Staff

Rae Driftwood (Crow) Program Project Coordinator

La Rae Driftwood is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana. La Rae has over eight years of experience working with tribal communities. Before coming to NICWA, she oversaw daily operations of the Crow Nation transit department where she enjoyed working and serving within her tribe. Her passion is helping tribal members thrive and have access to services that will meet their needs. La Rae joined NICWA as the program project coordinator in October 2022 and is excited about bringing her experience and passion for advocacy to the NICWA team.

Communications Specialist

Kyra’s Indian name is ‘Kiohod,’ which translates to Rainbow. She is Coeur d’ Alene and Tohono O’odham and a direct descendant of Chief Spokane Gary. Kyra is a graduate from Washington State University (WSU) where she majored in digital technology and culture (DTC), while minoring in both fine arts and comparative ethnic studies. While at WSU, she received the President’s Leadership Award, DTC Community Service and Engagement Award, and DTC Outstanding Senior Award.

Kyra is very passionate about working with Native communities and believes storytelling can be a form of both learning and healing. Before joining NICWA, she helped Native youth create podcasts with Voices to Hear, was a communications consultant for the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, and spent time as a production assistant working on telling the stories of Indigenous people with Providence Pictures on the PBS series Native America 2.0.